Is Augmentin® the Same as Amoxicillin? What to Know

Written By: Gillian Singer, MPH

If you've ever had an infection, chances are you've been prescribed an antibiotic — a type of medicine that kills bacteria and helps your body heal. Two common antibiotics you may have heard of are Amoxicillin and Augmentin®.

While both antibiotics belong to the same family and are used to treat bacterial infections, they have some important differences. Amoxicillin is a widely used antibiotic that works well for many common infections. However, some bacteria have developed resistance to it, meaning the medicine no longer works against them. This is where Augmentin® comes in. Augmentin® is a combination antibiotic that includes Amoxicillin plus another ingredient, clavulanic acid, which helps fight bacteria that Amoxicillin alone cannot kill.

Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is a widely used antibiotic that is part of the group of medicines known as penicillin antibiotics. It helps stop bacteria from growing so your body can fight off an infection. Healthcare providers often prescribe Amoxicillin for:

• Ear infections
• Tonsillitis
• Strep throat
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Certain respiratory infections¹

Possible Side Effects of Amoxicillin

If you notice serious side effects while taking amoxicillin, call your healthcare provider immediately. Symptoms to watch for include:

• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain
• Swelling of the face or throat
• Severe or bloody diarrhea
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Odd bruising or bleeding
• Reduced urination
• Intense nausea or vomiting
• Extreme fatigue
• Painful rashes or blistering skin
• Hives or itching

Some side effects are mild and temporary, including:

• Mild taste changes
• Slight tooth discoloration
• Stomach discomfort

Still, if anything feels off, persists, or worsens, contact your healthcare provider.¹

Taking Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is available only by prescription and can be taken as a chewable tablet, extended-release tablet, powder, or capsule.

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. Do not take more than prescribed. Amoxicillin can be taken with or without food, but taking it at the start of a meal or snack may help prevent stomach upset.

It’s essential to complete the full course of treatment, even if you start to feel better. Ending treatment too early could allow bacteria to return stronger and more resistant — which is where Augmentin® might be needed.¹

Augmentin®

Augmentin® is a medicine that combines amoxicillin with clavulanic acid and is used to treat bacterial infections like UTIs, ear infections, and much more. Clavulanic acid is an extra ingredient that helps fight bacteria that Amoxicillin alone cannot kill.²

Amoxicillin is a type of antibiotic that works by breaking down the protective outer layer of bacteria, which helps kill them. However, some bacteria can defend themselves by producing an enzyme called beta-lactamase, which makes them resistant to drugs like Amoxicillin. That's where clavulanic acid comes in. While it doesn't kill bacteria on its own, it helps Amoxicillin work better by blocking beta-lactamase. This allows Amoxicillin to stay effective against tougher bacteria.

Together, these two ingredients in Augmentin® make it a stronger treatment for infections that Amoxicillin alone might not be able to fight. It's especially useful against E. coli, a common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Possible Side Effects of Augmentin®

Not everyone will have side effects, but if you do, some might need help from a healthcare provider. Less common side effects to watch out for include:

• Hives (itchy bumps on your skin)
• Itching in your private areas
• Pain during sex
• Redness or rash on your skin
• Thick, white vaginal discharge with a mild smell
• Bloody or cloudy pee
• Fever
• Less pee than usual
• Seizures
• Swelling in your feet or legs

Some side effects are less serious and might go away on their own, like:

• Dry mouth
• Trouble sleeping
• Feeling anxious

But if any of these bother you or don't go away, talk to your healthcare provider. If you notice anything else that seems strange, ask your provider about it.²

Taking Augmentin®

This medication is only available with a healthcare provider's prescription. It comes in different forms, including chewable tablets, regular tablets, a powder that is mixed into a liquid, and extended-release tablets.

Similar to Amoxicillin, it's crucial that you take this medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider and finish the entire course of treatment.²

Key Differences Between Augmentin® and Amoxicillin

The key difference between Augmentin® and Amoxicillin is that Augmentin® contains both Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, while Amoxicillin only has Amoxicillin as its active ingredient.

Clavulanic acid in Augmentin® helps block an enzyme called beta-lactamase, which some bacteria produce to resist antibiotics like Amoxicillin. Because of this, Augmentin® is often used for infections that might not respond to Amoxicillin alone, making it more effective against tougher bacteria.

Amoxicillin, on the other hand, is commonly prescribed for simpler or more straightforward bacterial infections. Essentially, while both antibiotics work to fight bacteria, Augmentin® is a stronger option when dealing with resistant bacteria or infections that are more difficult to treat or infections that didn't resolve by using just Amoxicillin.^1,2

When Should You Take One Over the Other?

When deciding whether to take Amoxicillin or Augmentin®, it largely depends on the severity of your infection. For simpler, more common infections, Amoxicillin is usually sufficient and effective. However, if your infection is more severe or doesn't seem to improve with Amoxicillin alone, your healthcare provider may prescribe Augmentin®.

This is especially true for infections caused by bacteria that are resistant to Amoxicillin, like E. coli, staph, pneumococcus, acinetobacter, and pseudomonas.³

It's important to always follow your healthcare provider's recommendations on which antibiotic to take, as they will consider factors like the type of infection, its severity, and your medical history to make the best choice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Amoxicillin and Augmentin® are both effective antibiotics, they have distinct differences. Augmentin® is often used for more severe infections or those caused by resistant bacteria, thanks to the added clavulanic acid.

On the other hand, Amoxicillin is typically enough for common infections. It's essential to follow your healthcare provider's guidance when deciding which antibiotic to take, as they will choose the best option based on the nature of your infection and your health needs. Always be sure you complete your prescribed course of treatment to help prevent antibiotic resistance and promote the best possible recovery.

Take Control of Your Health with Everlywell

Whether you're seeking an antibiotic prescription or taking the first step toward a healthier lifestyle, Everlywell provides trusted resources to support you.

With virtual consultations, prescription services, and at-home health tests, Everlywell makes healthcare easy and affordable—right from home. Everlywell healthcare providers can even prescribe antibiotics like Augmentin® and Amoxicillin when necessary.

1. Amoxicillin (oral route). Mayo Clinic. February 1, 2025. Accessed February 21, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/amoxicillin-oral-route/description/drg-20067203
2. Amoxicillin and Clavulanate (oral route). Mayo Clinic. February 1, 2025. Accessed February 21, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/amoxicillin-and-clavulanate-oral-route/description/drg-20063858
3. What is antibiotic resistance? Cleveland Clinic. May 1, 2024. Accessed February 21, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21058-antibiotic-resistance